Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs

These Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food! Juicy beef meatballs simmered in a rich and savory French onion sauce make for a hearty and flavorful dish. Perfect for a family dinner, appetizer, or meal prep, this slow cooker recipe is as easy as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with the classic flavors of French onion soup.
• Made effortlessly in a crock pot with minimal hands-on time.
• Versatile: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
• Great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
• The meatballs stay juicy and flavorful with the slow-cooked sauce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Onion soup mix
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Onions (thinly sliced)
• Garlic
• Butter
• Fresh thyme (optional)
• Gruyère or Swiss cheese (for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the meatballs: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, onion soup mix, and seasonings in a bowl. Roll into bite-sized meatballs.
2. Sear the meatballs (optional): Heat a skillet with butter and sear the meatballs until browned on the outside. This adds flavor but is not mandatory.
3. Assemble in the crock pot: Place the sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the crock pot. Add the meatballs on top.
4. Make the sauce: Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme. Pour over the meatballs and onions.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
6. Melt the cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the meatballs. Cover and let it melt, or broil for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden top.
7. Serve: Serve the meatballs with their rich onion sauce over your favorite side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 6 servings.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

Variations

• Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Cheese Substitutes: Use mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar instead of Gruyère.
• Extra Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms or carrots for additional texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the onion soup mix is gluten-free.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, or in the crock pot on low, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs for convenience. Skip the searing step and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Do I need to sear the meatballs before slow cooking?

Searing adds flavor but is optional. The meatballs will cook through in the crock pot.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the meatballs and sauce the night before, then assemble everything in the crock pot when ready to cook.

What’s the best way to slice the onions?

Thinly slice the onions for even cooking. A mandoline works great for this.

Can I use pre-made French onion soup?

Yes, you can substitute the broth and onions with pre-made French onion soup. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Ensure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra meatballs and sauce.

What side dishes go well with this?

Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even crusty French bread to soak up the sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this without cheese?

Yes, the recipe is still delicious without cheese. The meatballs and sauce are flavorful on their own.

Can I cook on high instead of low?

Yes, but the meatballs will be more tender if cooked on low for a longer period.

Conclusion

Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs are the perfect comfort food for any time of year. Their rich, savory flavor, paired with a creamy cheese topping, makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a family-friendly meal, these meatballs will quickly become a favorite. With minimal prep and a little patience, you’ll have a satisfying and delicious dish ready to enjoy.

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